(I guess this post is more for me than anyone else, but I am happy to share my experiences with you as well.)
I have forgotten how much youth in the church mean to me. They will always hold such a big part of my heart. I gave our Stake YW President the idea of doing a mini EFY this past weekend for our youth conference and since I spent my summers in the EFY program, they asked me to be some of the brains behind the planning of the weekend. It's taken a lot of my time, but the fruits of our labors paid off yesterday at the fireside when the kids shared their feelings about the church.
Some of my favorite highlights from the weekend include the following:
Lance (17) who appointed himself our "stage manager" for the weekend. Little did we know that this package included ear pieces for himself and two friends, along with walkie talkies. He did a great job though;
Seeing my friend Lisa dress up like "Lakisha Jackson" for our Mormon Idol variety show;
Meeting many, many new hilarious adults in our Stake that had me rolling on the floor;
Re-learning the Hula from Erynn and Devyn (Polynesian twins from my singles ward) that they taught all the youth, along with the Tahiti "bootie shake" dance (that one is a WOWER!)
Watching the youth make over 1000 humanitarian kits for Africa and LOVING every minute of it;
Reverting back to my 15-yr-old self while getting my "Christian Rock on", during the Jericho Road concert (which included rushing the stage, dancing the whole time and screaming the guys names in the band). Thankfully Star (my niece) was there to make sure I didn't turn into too big of a freak!; and
Being able to catch up with some of my favorite youth: Brynn, Sarah, Kelsie, Lance, Morgan, Tanner, Justin, Lane, Paige, Kaylee, Chandler, Hannah, Sarah (2), and Lindsey.
Of course the best part of the whole weekend was the testimony meeting. Our stake has such strong youth who know who they are and where they are going. I was really moved as I looked at the chapel full of youth and then turned around and saw a cultural hall full of leaders and bishops who love their youth. When I saw the sea of leaders, I realized why we have such incredible youth in our stake. They are very watched over. They come from great stalk. The first pack of kids to bear their testimonies were offspring of bishopic members who have served in my young adult ward over the years. It was very apparent that watching their parents service and righteous efforts has rubbed off on those awesome kids who now lead their generation. Our MC for the weekend reminded them that they are "the hope of Israel and without them, Israel has no hope." Here are some of my favorite comments from the youth:
"I am motivated to read my scriptures because if I don't, I will feel ashamed to look Joseph Smith in the face someday."
"I KNOW I am a daughter of God. That means I know who I am and where I am headed." (Sarah)
"There is a line in a song I love that says 'I put my future in His hands, knowing He's made me all I am. I put my faith in Him and Truth begins to speak'. I have had a lot of medical problems my whole life and I don't know what is in store for me, but I am not worried at all. I am safe in His hands." (Lance) "This church does take things out of my life, but it's not freedom. It is: regret, heartache, bitterness, and sadness." (Kelsie) "I know this church is true, but even if it wasn't I can't think of a better way to live my life."
NON-MEMBER: "You have no idea what a miracle it was for me to be here today. I had my 4 favorite LDS families fast Thursday night that my parents would allow me to come to some of this conference. Those 3 hours Friday night were some of the best hours of my life. You have NO idea how lucky you kids are to have this gospel. I am a catholic and I KNOW this church is true. In 496 days, on my birthday, I will be baptised into this church. Please do not take advantage of this gift in your life. You are SO lucky to live your faith right now! What I would give to be able to do the same. I feel the spirit each time I am with you and each time I enter one of your homes. Thank you for treating me like I am one of your own. This is where I belong and I can't wait until the day when I can officially be one of you." (Eric) - There was not a dry eye in the room. That was the most amazing testimony I have ever heard.
There were many more that shared their feelings and that were very moving. Many, many kids said it was one of the best church experiences of their lives. Even though it was really hard for me to serve in this position (since I am the RS Pres of a singles ward), the pay off was huge. Last night's testimony meeting was the reward for months of work. What amazing kids.
